Photo Galleries

The projected tally, calculated from the intent-to-film forms filed by more than 40 productions in the state, exceeds 2013's total-year spending, which reached just over $254 million.

The first half of the year also saw more than 3,300 production days and nearly 19,000 job opportunities – which breaks down to "3,000 crew positions, 500 well-paying talent opportunities and 15,00 background talent positions," according to the release.

Last year, on a whole, the state reported more than 60 productions and 25,000 job opportunities, including more than 4,000 crew positions.

Among the productions that brought big business to the state this year are locally filmed series "Under the Dome," which wrapped production on season two last week, and "Sleepy Hollow," which is currently filming its second season; as well as films such as "Max Steel" and "The Longest Ride."

According to Johnny Griffin, director of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, productions from the Wilmington area will likely contribute around $175 million to the statewide total by year's end, up from last year's $135 million.

Griffin cautions, however, that actual spending or additional projects could alter that figure.

In the meantime, he said Friday's release shows that the state's film industry could continue to grow – if given the chance.

"It is ironic that in this time when we are looking at the incentive, and deciding whether or not to extend, we are having an off-the-chart year," Griffin said.

The state's current incentive program offers a 25 percent refundable tax credit to productions that spend at least $250,000. It expires at the end of the year, and its future is murky as the General Assembly continues budget talks in Raleigh. A recent Senate offer to the House changed the incentive to $20 million "grant" program, and the Gov. Pat McCrory has also said the current program needs to change.

<p>The first half of 2014 saw an estimated $268 million in direct in-state spending from the film industry, according to a Friday release from the N.C. Film Office. </p><p>The projected tally, calculated from the intent-to-film forms filed by more than 40 productions in the state, exceeds 2013's total-year spending, which reached just over $254 million. </p><p>The first half of the year also saw more than 3,300 production days and nearly 19,000 job opportunities – which breaks down to "3,000 crew positions, 500 well-paying talent opportunities and 15,00 background talent positions," according to the release. </p><p>Last year, on a whole, the state reported more than 60 productions and 25,000 job opportunities, including more than 4,000 crew positions.</p><p>Among the productions that brought big business to the state this year are locally filmed series "Under the Dome," which wrapped production on season two last week, and "Sleepy Hollow," which is currently filming its second season; as well as films such as "Max Steel" and "The Longest Ride." </p><p>According to Johnny Griffin, director of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, productions from the Wilmington area will likely contribute around $175 million to the statewide total by year's end, up from last year's $135 million.</p><p>Griffin cautions, however, that actual spending or additional projects could alter that figure.</p><p>In the meantime, he said Friday's release shows that the state's film industry could continue to grow – if given the chance. </p><p>"It is ironic that in this time when we are looking at the incentive, and deciding whether or not to extend, we are having an off-the-chart year," Griffin said. </p><p>The state's current incentive program offers a 25 percent refundable tax credit to productions that spend at least $250,000. It expires at the end of the year, and its future is murky as the General Assembly continues budget talks in Raleigh. A recent Senate offer to the House changed the incentive to $20 million "grant" program, and the Gov. Pat McCrory has also said the current program needs to change.</p><p>Hunter Ingram: 343-2327</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @WilmonFilm</p>